Lincoln –The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Medicaid and Long-Term Care, is holding a hearing on proposed changes to regulations related to Medicaid payment for mental health and substance use disorder services at 10:00 a.m. C.T on Thursday, January 30th, in the Nebraska State Office Building in Lincoln, 301 Centennial Mall South, lower level conference room A.

The proposed changes will eliminate the requirement for a biopsychosocial assessment prior to service coverage by the Nebraska Medicaid Program. The assessment relates to the background history of the client which includes family dynamics and social connections, legal background, education, mental health and substance abuse history and a medical history. The initial diagnostic interview requirement will remain.

Anyone may attend and comment at the hearing or submit comments in writing. Written comments will be given the same consideration as oral comments. Written comments must be postmarked or received by 5:00 p.m. CT on the day of the hearings and should be sent to DHHS Legal Services, 301 Centennial Mall South, P.O. Box 95026, Lincoln, NE 68509-5026, fax 402-742-2382, or e-mailed to DHHS.RulesandRegs@nebraska.gov